The theory of relativity is a tough one to wrap your head around. Something about time and space and perhaps even a spacetime continuum thrown in. Something to do with all of this being relative too. But to what?

That pounding in the head is ignorance landing a heavy blow.

But there is no need to leave all the fun to Einstein and the physicists anymore. This Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Dr. Eric Brodheim is coming to the Vineyard to put a down-to-earth spin on this complex theory.

Dr. Brodheim received his Doctor of Engineering Science degree from Columbia University in 1968. He has also held a number of research and teaching positions at Columbia, the most recent being Senior Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor of Operations Research.

Okay, all those credentials make it seem as if he’s one of them, as opposed to those of us who never made it past “physics for poets” as undergrads. But according to Dr. Brodheim the basics of relativity are quite straightforward and able to be presented in terms that are familiar to almost everyone. The proof will be in the pulsars.

Dr. Brodheim’s talk is part of ACE MV and will take place in the high school library.

For more details and to register, visit acemv.org.